Sunbelt: Leading Global Expertise in Business Brokerage

Sunbelt Business Brokers stands out as a leading global franchise in the business brokerage industry, offering specialized services for the confidential sale and acquisition of privately owned companies. Founded in 1978 by Ed Pendarvis in Charleston, South Carolina, Sunbelt has evolved into the largest business brokerage organization worldwide.

Now headquartered in Independence, Ohio, the company launched its franchise program in the mid-1990s, allowing it to scale rapidly across the U.S. and into international markets.

The franchise caters to two main segments: small "Main Street" businesses typically valued under $1 million, and larger "Middle Market" enterprises valued above $1 million. Its comprehensive offerings include business valuations, strategic marketing, buyer qualification, and support throughout the due diligence process.

What sets Sunbelt apart is its unmatched international footprint and its proprietary, industry-leading database of business listings and prospective buyers — making it a dominant force in the business brokerage space.

Training‍

Sunbelt Business Brokers franchise offers a multi-tiered training program designed to ensure franchisees are well-prepared to operate their business effectively. Here's a breakdown of the training provided by the franchisor:

1. New Franchise Owner Training Program (Three Phases)
   • Plan: A preparatory phase that spans three weeks before classroom training. It includes online webinars and structured activities amounting to approximately seven hours of guided instruction.
   • Learn: A two-day in-person classroom training session held at the Corporate Office or another designated location.
   • Launch: A follow-up phase consisting of four weeks of structured coaching to support implementation after classroom training.
2. New Broker Main Street Training
   • Offered both as pre-recorded, on-demand sessions and in a live certification format.
   • The certification version runs for ten weeks and is scheduled multiple times per year.
   • This training is provided at no cost and does not require travel.
3. Sunbelt Resource Center Access
   • Franchisees are given access to a digital platform containing business planning tools, recruiting resources, templates, technology tutorials, marketing guides, and vendor information.
4. Initial System and Operations Training
   • A core 2.5-day training program focused on operating a Sunbelt franchise, which franchisees must complete before beginning operations.
5. Ongoing Consulting and Training
   • After the initial training, the franchisor offers additional support via telephonic consulting and optional online or live sessions. Some of these may involve a small fee.
6. Optional Regional Seminars and Conferences
   • Periodic regional training seminars and meetings are offered. Attendance is optional but encouraged, and there may be fees involved depending on the event.

Territory Protection

Sunbelt Business Brokers provides limited territory protection to its franchisees. Franchisees are assigned a specific territory and must restrict their direct marketing efforts within that area. However, the franchisor may still operate or authorize others within the same territory under different names.

If granted a Type A Territory, Sunbelt may award additional franchises within that same area based on its size or population. The franchisor also reserves the right to handle national accounts and use alternative branding within any region. Therefore, while some territorial rights exist, they are not fully exclusive.